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Applying to an American university from the UK

I'm planning on applying to a university in United States and I know that there are several things you need to submit with your application. I was wondering if there is anyone in the base that knows what kind of grades would be needed to apply to a university such as Harvard. Keep in mind that I mean grades for A-level qualifications.

Re: Applying to an American university from the UK

Re: Applying to an American university from the UK

Depends on the universities. For most of the good ones, I assume you're talking Harvard, Yale, etc. You would need top notch grades and excellent extra-cirricular background. Also money; lot's of money.

Re: Applying to an American university from the UK

Originally Posted by Germanicus

Depends on the universities. For most of the good ones, I assume you're talking Harvard, Yale, etc. You would need top notch grades and excellent extra-cirricular background. Also money; lot's of money.

Re: Applying to an American university from the UK

I have three full A-levels at AAB amongst other qualifications and some extra-curricular activities. Is it not possible that they allow students in with less than AAA and what counts as "excellent extra-curricular background"? I have already been accepted into five top UK universities so could that make a difference as to how they would look at my application?
As for the reference to lots of money... from what I've read so far Harvard has one of the best scholarship programmes in the US which is based on need and not merit so if I did get in the fees would be minimal

Re: Applying to an American university from the UK

Originally Posted by Akstenn

I have three full A-levels at AAB amongst other qualifications and some extra-curricular activities. Is it not possible that they allow students in with less than AAA and what counts as "excellent extra-curricular background"? I have already been accepted into five top UK universities so could that make a difference as to how they would look at my application?
As for the reference to lots of money... from what I've read so far Harvard has one of the best scholarship programmes in the US which is based on need and not merit so if I did get in the fees would be minimal

Hmm, not all A's? Were you captain or president of any clubs and organizations? Do you have a lot of service hours and/or work experience? (internships, I would mean; part times don't count as much.)

Re: Applying to an American university from the UK

Originally Posted by Akstenn

I have three full A-levels at AAB amongst other qualifications and some extra-curricular activities. Is it not possible that they allow students in with less than AAA and what counts as "excellent extra-curricular background"? I have already been accepted into five top UK universities so could that make a difference as to how they would look at my application?
As for the reference to lots of money... from what I've read so far Harvard has one of the best scholarship programmes in the US which is based on need and not merit so if I did get in the fees would be minimal

I'm not sure if you guys take somethingn similar to the SATs in the UK but you have to get a minimum of 2100 on the SATs to even be considered at Harvard.

Re: Applying to an American university from the UK

Hmm, not all A's? Were you captain or president of any clubs and organizations? Do you have a lot of service hours and/or work experience? (internships, I would mean; part times don't count as much.)

Unfortunately not... I have been part of a selected club that held meetings with the headteacher to make decisions as to what should be changed in school and throughout college I have been part of a scholarship programme that is partnered with and funded by Cambridge university. I have limited work experience but it is because of the position I am at the moment in which I can't do anything apart from staying at home. This position has also meant that I had to deny apprenticeships that I have been offered...

Re: Applying to an American university from the UK

Originally Posted by CurseSealofEarth

I'm not sure if you guys take somethingn similar to the SATs in the UK but you have to get a minimum of 2100 on the SATs to even be considered at Harvard.

Good point, this as well. And hmm...right now, it kinda looks like you would have a tough time. Still, most colleges usually have different standards nowadays for international students. You might look at their admissions webpage?

Re: Applying to an American university from the UK

Originally Posted by CurseSealofEarth

I'm not sure if you guys take somethingn similar to the SATs in the UK but you have to get a minimum of 2100 on the SATs to even be considered at Harvard.

No we don't do the same kind of SATs as the US but I'm not too worried about SAT tests because you can practice and get a feel for it. In the UK, all the university requirements are listed on the website but because the qualifications are completely different from the US it makes it difficult to know what you need

Re: Applying to an American university from the UK

Originally Posted by Germanicus

Good point, this as well. And hmm...right now, it kinda looks like you would have a tough time. Still, most colleges usually have different standards nowadays for international students. You might look at their admissions webpage?

They say that they look for about 600-800 points in each section of the SAT... not sure how hight that is